The third day leaves the race for the top open

The third day of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas that is being held at the Maya Country Tennis Club in Santa Tecla (El Salvador) has left two nations, Bahamas and Dominican Republic tied at the top Group B while the situation in Group A is even closer with Ecuador, Guatemala and Bolivia, tied with two victories apiece.

Dominican Republic knew that a third victory would be crucial for their chances but Uruguay’s first singles player, Carolina de los Santos, was determined not to make things easy for the Caribbean players and took the first point of the tie with a clear 62 61 victory over Karla Patricia Portalatin. Francesca Segarelli levelled the score by beating Magdalena Boado and everything was left to be decided at the doubles in which Anneliese Rose and Breana Stamfli eventually prevailed 46 64 60.

Bahamas was in the same situation as the Dominicans but this time there was less suspense and two straight-sets victories by Kerry Cartwright and Simone Pratt secured the third point for the Bahamans.

Dominican Republic will face Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas will take on El Salvador on Friday in a day that could prove decisive in the race to secure the top spot.

The third day of competition left an even tighter picture in Group A with a triple tie (Ecuador, Guatemala and Bolivia) that leaves everything to play for in the final two days of the round robin.

Bolivia left Puerto Rico with no chances of promotion by beating them 2-1. Maria Ines Deheza got the Bolivians off to a good start with a comprehensive 61 61 victory in the first singles match and then partnered with Daniela Ruiz to earn the winning point against Ana Sofia Cordero and Yolimar Ogando 64 62.

In the other Group A match, Ecuador got their second point in this round robin with a 3-0 victory over Honduras. The Ecuadorians will clash with Puerto Rico on Friday.